Radical Muslim cleric Abu Qatada cleared of terror plots in Jordan

Abu Qatada has been acquitted by a Jordanian court due to insufficient evidence.

16:35 24 September 2014

Abu Qatada, who was linked with plans to target tourists and diplomats, has been cleared of plotting terror attacks by a Jordanian court citing lack of enough evidence. The decision was handed in the case presided over by civilian judges on Wednesday in Amman.

 

Meanwhile, his lawyer, Husein Mubaidin says that he expects his client to be released quickly. 

 

The preacher was also acquitted in another case in June involving a foiled plan to attack an American school in Amman. 

 

He had pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

 

The Home Office, on the other hand, said that the preacher was 'a threat' and is no longer allowed to go back to UK. 

 

A spokesman said: 'Abu Qatada's re-trial in Jordan was made possible thanks to this Government's determination to successfully deport him from the UK to face the courts in his own country.

 

'It is right that the due process of law has taken place in Jordan. The UK courts agreed that Abu Qatada posed a threat to national security in the UK, so we are pleased that we were able to remove him.

 

'Abu Qatada remains subject to a deportation order and a United Nations travel ban. He is not coming back to the UK.'